29 Quotes by David Graveney

Until they go through fitness tests it's impossible to know if they are totally right. If you remember, we all thought Simon Jones would be fit to play at the Oval and he didn't.

What he brings to the stage in terms of bowling, batting and fielding is exciting. He's a young guy, got plenty of talent and we're taking the opportunity of including a younger guy to learn as times goes on.

Liam Plunkett has made a promising start to his international career and is an emerging player with great potential. Ian Bell has also been named in both squads as we believe his ability to bat in the top order will give us another option as we continue to plan for the World Cup in 2007.

Simon is continuing to make progress in his recovery from injury and we will give him as much time as he needs in order to prove his fitness.

I don't know what the situation is with the Australian team but they seem pretty settled. In the same way that there were plenty saying last summer that they did not want to be in the side that loses the Ashes, there'll be more wanting to be in the team that regains them. We are under no illusion about how determined Australia will be.

Ian Blackwell is a talented player who performed well in the one-day series in Pakistan and this is a terrific opportunity for him to show that he can fulfil his potential against top class opposition.

Ian Blackwell has been placed on standby to join the Test squad if Ashley fails to recover from his injury in time prior to the tour.

He's a young guy who's got plenty of talent. There's no doubt that off spinners have got to do something different.

He is a very good spinner. He gives the ball a good twist and has a very bright future.